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Pitt offense sets records, rolls Bucknell 59-0

 
Tagged under: Gameday Hub, pfn, Pitt

| September 26, 2026

As 54.5-point favorites, there were no surprises or obvious concerns about Pitt’s overall performance against FCS opponent Bucknell on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium, as they shut out the Bison 59-0. 

But the Panthers still have plenty to clean up before they hit the road next week for the first time this season.

Mainly, committing 15 penalties, with many of them giving Bucknell free yards offensively, is something head coach Pat Narduzzi will harp on this week in practice and will be part of the evaluation of the future of second- and third-string players. 

“Penalties hindered us, which really annoys the heck out of me,” Narduzzi said. “We’re going to look back at the tape and see the quality of the calls. Guys who can’t do things right don’t deserve to be out there.”  

But the Pitt offense set several records, which certainly gives the Panthers a good feeling about the overall quality of the win. 

Mason Heintschel became the first Pitt quarterback to throw for six or more touchdowns twice in a season. Heintschel went 29/37 for 403 yards with the six passing touchdowns.

Backup quarterbacks Holden Geriner (5th-year transfer) and Corey Dailey (true freshman) each threw for a touchdown in the second half, helping set the school record for touchdown passes in a game (8) and passing yards in a game (574). 

“I thought Holden was accurate… and that last throw [touchdown pass] by Corey was a shot,” Narduzzi said. “That’s what we’ve seen out of him [in practice].” 

Pitt used a more balanced attack offensively over the last two weeks, but today emphasized getting the passing game in rhythm after struggles against Syracuse. 

“Getting into that groove kinda helps you relax and make those throws,” Heintschel said. “There was definitely an emphasis on cleaning it up and getting back in our timing.”

Heintschel had a few bad reads and missed high on some throws downfield, but the short passing game eventually opened up bigger plays. Maybe increased reps in a tune-up game are just what the doctor ordered for Heintschel to be ready for a tough road environment next week. 

Carson Kent, the tight end transfer from Oklahoma, has arguably become Heintschel’s top security blanket, leading the Panthers with 6 catches. 

But Censere Lee was arguably Pitt’s biggest receiving star, scoring a career-high three touchdowns on the day. 

“He’s a game changer,” Heintschel praised Lee. “There are times when he hits a second gear, and it doesn’t look like he’s running; he’s flying.” 

Receivers Bryan Hamilton, Demetrice McCray, and Tyreek Robinson all got their first touchdowns as Panthers. McCray connected with Heintschel for two touchdowns that day and proved he can play at this level with his size and speed. It wouldn’t be surprising if the receiver they call “Meat Shop” gets more opportunities this season. 

Censere Lee reflected on his relationship with the true freshmen McCray and Hamilton.

“We’ve been so tight,” Lee said about the receiving corps. “Even with all of the freshmen, we’ve hung out together, and we’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs, and it’s allowed us to learn.” 

Another notable rising player to watch for Pitt is junior defensive back Allen Bryant, who led the team in tackles after his first start on defense, replacing the injured Cruce Brookins.  

Narduzzi praised Bryant for his special-teams effort, which has earned him more playing time. 

“A.B. earned the right to be a starter,” Narduzzi said. “I was happy for him to play the way that he did.” 

Pitt will have to prepare on a short week, as they take on James Franklin and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg next Friday night. 

 
 
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